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Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients usually lose between 50 and 85 percent of excess body weight if they follow their diet and exercise regimen.

How many meals should I eat each day?

We recommend six small meals a day. This will help you cut down on snacking and will give your metabolism a boost. Talk with your nutritionist or doctor for more information.

Will I be able to eat and drink at the same time?

No. After weight-loss surgery, eating and drinking at the same time will flush food out of your stomach. This can make your stomach feel like it can hold more food, which can cause you to overeat. To avoid this sensation, we recommend drinking 30 minutes before and after your meals.

What vitamins should I take?

One multivitamin twice a day

One sublingual B12 per day

1500-2000 mg of calcium citrate per day

For women: 18-27 mg of iron per day

For men: 10-12 mg of iron per day

Make sure the vitamins you take are chewable or in liquid form to aid in digestion.

What kind of exercise should I do?

Walking, jogging, biking and swimming are just a few examples of exercises that can help you reach your target weight after your surgery. Plan to exercise for 30 minutes or longer three to five times per week.

Will I lose my hair?

Rapid weight loss and a very low-calorie diet may cause hair loss. Eat protein and nutrient-dense foods to help minimize the amount of hair you lose. Certain vitamins, such as Biotin, can also help.

When can I take my regular medications?

Talk to your doctor about your medications before you leave the hospital. You may need to change your normal dosage for some time after your surgery. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about changing your medications to a liquid form.

Can my surgery be reversed?

Sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reversed. Gastric bypass surgery can be altered or reversed if medically necessary. Lap-Band® surgery can also be reversed.

Will I need plastic surgery?

Your skin may sag or feel loose after surgery. The decision to receive plastic surgery to shape or tone your body is up to you. Exercise can help some patients achieve their desired results. If you decide you want plastic surgery, you should wait at least two years after your weight-loss procedure.

Will I be able to get pregnant after weight-loss surgery?

Women of childbearing age should be able to have children after their surgery. Losing weight can even increase your ability to conceive. We recommend you wait at least 18 months before trying to become pregnant.

Part of the Manatee Healthcare System

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.

Manatee Weight Loss Center is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), a King of Prussia, PA-based company, that is one of the largest healthcare management companies in the nation.

The information on this website is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Manatee Weight Loss Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this website.

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